Real Talk: Stop Comparing One Content Creator to Another

Before I made the decision to blog on the side and create my own site, I remember I would view endless hours of makeup tutorials on YouTube, read blog posts, and scan through images that took my breath away. My palate not only focused in fashion, but also travel and I would imagine that I was experiencing the same adventure as the traveler. Amazing to know there is so much out there in the world that we have still yet to discover.

Fast forward to present time, I can easily name you a few of my favorite content creators. Why are they my favorite? Easy answer…they are all unique and each one demonstrates their own personal style. Personal style can range from writing, photography, editing, content, fashion style, their brand and who they are as an individual.

I think it’s wonderful to see bloggers give shoutouts to other bloggers. This not only provides exposure, but it also acknowledges hard-work and showcases that we are here to create…not compete against one another. What’s even more admirable is when we get to discover the different reasons why these bloggers are being showcased and what their strengths are.

Now that I’ve been in this industry for a few years, I have found there is nothing more annoying than to see someone compare one content creator to another. Let alone criticize them in any form. Online bullying can be brutal and I have seen it happen to so many bloggers.

Let’s be real, we have all come across that one individual or two who finds some way to criticize your work whether it be your photography skills, your writing style, your clothing, the mere fact that English isn’t your first language, etc. Every content creator and what they present is very different and can range across the board. There is never a correct way or format as each creator demonstrates and showcases their own work in various ways.

I don’t know what’s more annoying, to be critiqued by someone who isn’t in the industry or by someone who actually is part of the industry. Maybe both, but lately, I have found that receiving feedback from one creator in the industry has been a bit more “acceptable/bearable” (and sometimes even helpful) than to be critiqued by someone who isn’t in the industry. Receiving unwanted feedback from someone who doesn’t even blog or creates any type of content really pushes my buttons. They lack the knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes.

Just sit back and think about this. Why do you return to view your favorite bloggers? What is it about them that keeps your interest? Are they all the same? Do they demonstrate a certain uniqueness? Do you appreciate a certain thing about a blogger and appreciate something completely different from another? Why are you still following them after all this time?

Every blogger, photographer, and content creator portrays their own personality. What they offer on the table is never one in the same. One photographer may be strong with model shots and another may demonstrate its strengths through beautiful landscapes. One blogger’s writing style may come across very journalistic while another might come across a bit more casual. Lets admire those who actually bring a bit of humor and their personality in every platform. That’s not always easy to do.

So, I think before any one of us decides to judge a content creator, we might want to try to sit back and think about these things. Think about the time and effort it takes to create a blog post, a video, photo shoots, and the numerous times plans had to be cancelled so things could get done. Many of us actually want to enjoy and sleep in on the weekends.

We may want to think, what exactly is their writing style (i.e casual, humorous, laid back, professional, etc)? Are their photos edited, chic, 70’s, airy, natural, bold, dark, black & white, etc? Are their videos professionally edited with tons of effects or are they very natural/interpersonal that make you want to sip a cup of tea?

We are all content creators for various reasons. We create content because we enjoy it and want to share it with the world. As much as we want to showcase what we love, as much as we also want to learn from you all. But please, lets not try to be a jerk about it. Often times, we forget everyone has a story. As you bully someone for wearing a bikini, you might lack the fact that they might have struggled with an eating disorder for many years. As you critique someone for their writing style, you may forget they may know more than one language and are trying hard to improve and become more proficient. As you criticize someone for their photography, you may forget that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If we were all the same, if we all wrote the same way, if we all took photos by what others want to see versus what we see through our own vision…then this entire industry would be boring and a waste of time. You can’t compare the Moon and the Sun, Mozart with Beethoven, or Picasso with Modigliani. Each are special, memorable and unique in their own way.

Whether someone has been in the industry for a while or beginning to make themselves known….give them a break and applaud them instead for putting themselves out there for the world to see. If you don’t like it, then stop following and move on. Period.